The symptoms of gout usually come on suddenly and severely. A gout attack usually affects only one joint, most commonly, the joint of the big toe. However, the attack may involve more than one joint. Symptoms frequently develop overnight and worsen over the next 24 to 36 hours. Other affected joints include the knees, ankles, feet, wrists, hands, fingers, and elbows.

Gout of the Big Toe

Symptoms are usually more severe in people who develop gout before age 30. Some people will only suffer one gout attack. Most people with gout, however, will suffer a recurrence within two years of the first attack, and further recurrences after that (if the condition is left untreated).

Possible complications of gout include:

Build up of uric acid deposits (tophi):

Hard lumps under the skin near (or around) joints

Hard lumps at the rim of the ear

Other parts of the body may be affected such as fingertips, cornea of eye, aorta, spine, or around brain

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care
provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a
substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the
advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to
starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a
medical condition.